Interview with Andy Partridge

Famous Swindonians? Well there is Billie Piper, Justin Hayward, Melinda Messenger and Desmond Morris to name but a few.

But none of them enjoy quite the same level of respect and admiration from their peers and fans, or who have influenced so many who have followed in their musical wake as Andy Partridge from XTC.

The band still continue to be one of the most covered acts around and just some of the high profile artists who have recorded their own versions of the bands songs include Sarah McLachlan, Nouvelle Vague and Crash Test Dummies.

XTC might have now all but disbanded, but Andy is still very much involved with music - running his own record label, forging numerous musical collaborations and remastering and reissuing the XTC and Dukes of Stratosphear back catalogue.

On Tuesday 14th April 2009, Andy visited BBC Wiltshire and sat down for a lengthy chat with XTC aficionado Daniel Garrett to discuss all these subjects.

He also found time to talk about his love/hate relationship with the town he has lived in all his life, describe XTC's early days on the Swindon music scene in the 70s, and reveal just how he was awarded a Blue Peter badge!

Click below to listen to the interview in streaming Real Audio (31 mins).

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Mark BignellI love the part where Andy speaks of his Ape House label. Where he tells his friends who want to be on his label: "Sorry , you don't write good music." I go through the same awkward stage with acts who want to be played on my radio bandcouver show. hahahaha

Chris MezzolestaSo great to hear Andy "on" - but he tends to be "on" doesn't he!! The strange thing is that he is now the one "out there" in the airwaves and Colin seems to be hidden away - so sad. Nice interview though!!